KSOU Hosts 38th All India Postal Cultural Meet with Music and Dance
The campus of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru was transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression on Monday as the 38th All India Postal Cultural Meet commenced. This five-day cultural extravaganza, organized by the department of posts under the ministry of communication, is taking place across multiple auditoriums at the university, bringing together artistes from various regions of the country.
Inauguration and Official Remarks
The event was formally inaugurated by Jitendra Gupta, the director general of postal services, who emphasized the department's ongoing commitment to nurturing and highlighting the cultural talents of its employees. He noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in preserving and promoting India's rich artistic traditions within the postal community.
Competitions and Performances
The opening day featured a series of competitive events that showcased the depth of Indian classical arts. Solo classical dance performances were held in both junior and senior categories, with styles including Kuchipudi and Kathak. Additionally, classical vocal contests were conducted in the Carnatic music and Hindustani classical music traditions, providing a platform for vocalists to demonstrate their skills.
Instrumental performances added to the diversity of the event, with artists playing a range of traditional instruments such as the mridangam, flute, violin, ghatam, veena, and nadaswaram. These competitions highlighted the technical proficiency and artistic expression of the participants, drawing appreciation from attendees.
Cultural Significance and Insights
Internationally acclaimed violinist Mysore Manjunath addressed the gathering, reflecting on the enduring connection between the postal department and the public. He remarked that post offices have historically served as emotional bridges, linking families across vast distances. Manjunath also pointed out that commemorative postage stamps, which document significant historical events, act as lasting records of the nation's journey.
He praised the cultural meet for its role in celebrating India's artistic heritage and emphasized the global appeal of Indian classical music. Crediting sustained institutional support and the dedication of eminent artists for this appeal, Manjunath shared that music remains his "mother tongue," underscoring its personal and cultural importance.
Leadership Perspectives
Chief postmaster general of Karnataka Circle, K Prakash, offered his perspective on the event, contrasting cultural contests with sports competitions. While sports showcase determination and sportsmanship, he noted that cultural events like this meet generate a unique enthusiasm by uniting people through shared experiences in music, dance, and percussion. This fosters a sense of community and cultural pride among participants and spectators alike.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was graced by several notable figures, including violinist Mysore M Nagaraja, director of Bengaluru central postal region V Tara, director of Karnataka Postal Circle Sandesh Mahadevappa, and director of the Mysore postal training centre Ashish Singh Thakur. Their presence underscored the significance of the cultural meet and the postal department's dedication to promoting arts and culture.
As the five-day event continues, it promises to further enrich the cultural landscape of Mysuru and provide a platform for postal employees to showcase their artistic talents, reinforcing the department's role in supporting India's diverse cultural expressions.
